tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Global Coverage and Design of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes
Authors: Libby Hattersley, Kate L. Mandeville
Journal: JAMA Network Open (2023)

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes are gaining in popularity. The lack of a comprehensive repository of standardized data on SSB taxes and their designs, however, has stymied understanding of current practice in SSB taxes.To assess the coverage and design of SSB taxes worldwide using the new Global SSB Tax Database.Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes were collated from existing data sources, hand-searching of peer-reviewed and gray literature, and an internet search. Relevant legislation was identified to verify each tax and extract data on designs.A total of 118 taxes were verified, including 105 national and 13 subnational taxes. National SSB taxes are in effect in 103 countries and territories, covering 51% of the world's population. A total of 67% of people living in low-income and 73% in lower-middle-income economies are covered by national SSB taxes, compared with 29% in upper-middle-income and high-income economies. National SSB taxes cover 98% of the population in South Asia compared with only 10% in East Asia and the Pacific. Most SSB taxes are excise taxes (104 of 118 [88%]). Excise taxes in high-income economies are mostly specific (27 of 36 [75%]), whereas ad valorem and mixed taxes are more common in low- and middle-income economies (36 of 66 [55%]). Most specific excise taxes are based on volume only (54 of 59 [92%]), with just 3 jurisdictions applying purely sugar-specific excise taxes. More than half of excise taxes worldwide (55 of 104 [53%]) apply tiered rates, with tiers more commonly defined by beverage type (41 of 55 [75%]) than by sugar content (18 of 55 [33%]). Tiers defined by sugar content are mainly used in high-income countries (13 of 18 [72%]) and Europe and Central Asia (10 of 18 [56%]). Almost one-third of excise taxes worldwide (30 of 104 [29%]) and almost half of excise taxes in low- and middle-income economies (28 of 66 [42%]) apply to unsweetened bottled water.This study provides a comprehensive review of global coverage and design of SSB taxes. Sugar-sweetened beverage tax coverage is higher than previously reported, with clear differences in designs between regions and income groups. These findings can inform a more empirically grounded approach to SSB tax guidance.
ICI–Chemo New Standard for Endometrial Cancer
Journal: Cancer Discovery (2023)

The phase III RUBY and NRG-GY018 trials indicate that women with advanced endometrial cancer whose disease is newly diagnosed or has recurred for the first time benefit from the combination of a PD-1 inhibitor with standard chemotherapy. Adding either dostarlimab or pembrolizumab significantly prolonged progression-free survival, with overall survival also trending in the right direction.
Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Psoriasis Severity in Patients With Lower-Range Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels
Authors: Marita Jenssen, Anne-Sofie Furberg, Rolf Jorde, Tom Wilsgaard, Kjersti Danielsen
Journal: JAMA Dermatology (2023)

Importance Topical vitamin D analogues are routine treatment for psoriasis, but the effect of oral supplementation has not been established. Objective To examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on psoriasis severity throughout the winter. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with 2 parallel groups was performed through 2 winter seasons (2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019). Randomization was computer generated. All participants, health care clinicians, and outcome assessors were masked to group assignment. Each participant was followed for 4 months. The presented analyses were conducted in May 2022. The trial was conducted at the clinical research unit of the University Hospital of North Norway (Tromsø; Norway). Adults from the general population in Tromsø with active plaque psoriasis and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels of less than 24 ng/mL (to convert to nmol/L, multiply by 2.496) were included. Intervention Vitamin D (cholecalciferol, 100 000 IU, loading dose, followed by 20 000 IU/week) or placebo for 4 months. Main outcomes and Measures Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) (primary outcome), Physician Global Assessment, self-administered PASI, and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores (secondary outcomes). Results A total of 122 participants (46 women [37.7%]; mean [SD] age, 53.6 [10.0] years; mean [SD] PASI score, 3.1 [2.0]; mean [SD] serum 25(OH)D, 14.9 [3.9] ng/mL) were included. Of these, 60 (49.2%) were randomized to the vitamin D group and 62 (50.8%) to the placebo group. A total of 120 participants (59 vitamin D [49.2%]/61 placebo [51.8%]) completed the study. By completion, mean (SD) 25(OH)D levels were 29.7 (5.2) ng/mL (vitamin D) and 12.0 (3.8) ng/mL (placebo). There was no significant difference in change in PASI score between the groups (adjusted difference, 0.11; 95% CI, −0.23 to 0.45). There was no significant difference in change in Physician Global Assessment score (adjusted odds ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.27-1.63), self-administered PASI (adjusted difference, −0.60; 95% CI, −1.76 to 0.55) or Dermatology Life Quality Index (adjusted difference, −0.86; 95% CI, −1.9 to 0.19) between the groups. No adverse effects of the intervention were registered. Conclusion and Relevance The results of this randomized clinical trial showed that vitamin D supplementation did not affect psoriasis severity. Low baseline severity scores may explain the lack of measurable effect. Levels of 25(OH)D in the intervention group increased to a less-than-expected degree based on previous experimental data from the same source population, and this may have affected the results. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03334136
BIND&amp;MODIFY: a long-range method for single-molecule mapping of chromatin modifications in eukaryotes
Authors: Zhe Weng, Fengying Ruan, Weitian Chen, Zhichao Chen, Yeming Xie, Meng Luo, Zhe Xie, Chen Zhang, Juan Wang, Yuxin Sun, Yitong Fang, Mei Guo, Chen Tan, Wenfang Chen, Yiqin Tong, Yaning Li, Hongqi Wang, Chong Tang
Journal: Genome biology (2023)

Abstract Epigenetic modifications of histones are associated with development and pathogenesis of disease. Existing approaches cannot provide insights into long-range interactions and represent the average chromatin state. Here we describe BIND&amp;MODIFY, a method using long-read sequencing for profiling histone modifications and transcription factors on individual DNA fibers. We use recombinant fused protein A-M.EcoGII to tether methyltransferase M.EcoGII to protein binding sites to label neighboring regions by methylation. Aggregated BIND&amp;MODIFY signal matches bulk ChIP-seq and CUT&amp;TAG. BIND&amp;MODIFY can simultaneously measure histone modification status, transcription factor binding, and CpG 5mC methylation at single-molecule resolution and also quantifies correlation between local and distal elements.
Suicide and Transportation Noise: A Prospective Cohort Study from Switzerland
Authors: Benedikt Wicki, Beat Schäffer, Jean Marc Wunderli, Thomas J. Müller, Charlotte Pervilhac, Martin Röösli, Danielle Vienneau
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2023)

Although plausible from a pathophysiological point of view, robust evidence for effects of transportation noise on mental health remains scarce. Meanwhile, psychiatric diseases are among the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases worldwide, and suicide as a mortality outcome highly connected to mental disorders presents a pressing public health issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between source-specific transportation noise, particulate matter (PM) air pollution, residential greenness, and suicide by means of a nationwide cohort study.Road traffic, railway and aircraft noise exposure as well as exposure to air pollution [PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5μm (PM2.5)] and greenness [normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] were linked to 5.1 million adults (age 15 y and older) in the Swiss National Cohort, accounting for their address history. Mean noise exposure in 5-y periods was calculated. Individuals were followed for up to 15 y (2001-2015). Time-varying Cox regression models were applied to deaths by suicide (excluding assisted suicide). Models included all three noise sources, PM2.5, and NDVI plus individual and spatial covariates, including socioeconomic status. Effect modification by sex, age, socioeconomic indicators, and degree of urbanization was explored.During the follow-up, there were 11,265 suicide deaths (10.4% poisoning, 33.3% hanging, 28.7% firearms, 14.7% falls). Road traffic and railway noise were associated with total suicides [hazard ratios: 1.040; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.015, 1.065; and 1.022 (95% CI: 1.004, 1.041) per 10 dB day-evening-night level (Lden)], whereas for aircraft noise, a risk increase starting from 50 dB was masked by an inverse association in the very low exposure range (30-40 dB). Associations were stronger for females than males. The results were robust to adjustment for residential greenness and air pollution.In this longitudinal, nationwide cohort study, we report a robust association between exposure to road traffic and railway noise and risk of death by suicide after adjusting for exposure to air pollution and greenness. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that mental health disorders may be related to chronic transportation noise exposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11587.
Multifunctional Antibacterial Nanonets Attenuate Inflammatory Responses through Selective Trapping of Endotoxins and Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Nhan Dai Thien Tram, Quy Thi Ngoc Tran, Jian Xu, Jeannie Ching Ting Su, Wupeng Liao, Wai Shiu Fred Wong, Pui Lai Rachel Ee
Journal: Advanced Healthcare Materials (2023)

Extracellular lipopolysaccharide (LPS) released from bacteria cells can enter the bloodstream and cause septic complications with excessive host inflammatory responses. Target-specific strategies to inactivate inflammation mediators have largely failed to improve the prognosis of septic patients in clinical trials. By utilizing their high density of positive charges, de novo designed peptide nanonets are shown to selectively entrap the negatively charged LPS and pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This in turn enables the nanonets to suppress LPS-induced cytokine production by murine macrophage cell line and rescue the antimicrobial activity of the last-resort antibiotic, colistin, from LPS binding. Using an acute lung injury model in mice, it is demonstrated that intratracheal administration of the fibrillating peptides is effective at lowering local release of TNF-α and IL-6. Together with previously shown ability to simultaneously trap and kill pathogenic bacteria, the peptide nanonets display remarkable potential as a holistic, multifunctional anti-infective, and anti-septic biomaterial.
Serial assessment of biomarkers and heart failure outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kazuma Oyama, Robert P. Giugliano, Christian T. Ruff, David D. Berg, Petr Jarolim, Minao Tang, Jeong‐Gun Park, Hans J. Lanz, Elliott M. Antman, Eugene Braunwald, David A. Morrow
Journal: European Journal of Heart Failure (2023)
Multi‐Catcher Polymers Regulate the Nucleolin Cluster on the Cell Surface for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Feng Cheng, Yongjian Jiang, Bo Kong, Huarong Lin, Xinjia Shuai, Pingping Hu, Pengfei Gao, Lei Zhan, Chengzhi Huang, Chunmei Li
Journal: Advanced Healthcare Materials (2023)

Cell signal transduction mediated by cell surface ligand-receptor is crucial for regulating cell behavior. The oligomerization or hetero-aggregation of the membrane receptor driven by the ligand realizes the rearrangement of apoptotic signals, providing a new ideal tool for tumor therapy. However, the construction of a stable model of cytomembrane receptor aggregation and the development of a universal anti-tumor therapy model on the cellular surface remain challenging. This work describes the construction of a "multi-catcher" flexible structure GC-chol-apt-cDNA with a suitable integration of the oligonucleotide aptamer (apt) and cholesterol (chol) on a polymer skeleton glycol chitosan (GC), for the regulation of the nucleolin cluster through strong polyvalent binding and hydrophobic membrane anchoring on the cell surface. This oligonucleotide aptamer shows nearly 100-fold higher affinity than that of the monovalent aptamer and achieves stable anchoring to the plasma membrane for up to 6 h. Moreover, it exerts a high tumor inhibition both in vitro and in vivo by activating endogenous mitochondrial apoptosis pathway through the cluster of nucleolins on the cell membrane. This multi-catcher nano-platform combines the spatial location regulation of cytomembrane receptors with the intracellular apoptotic signaling cascade and represents a promising strategy for antitumor therapy.
Craniofacial therapy: advanced local therapies from nano-engineered titanium implants to treat craniofacial conditions
Authors: Karan Gulati, Chengye Ding, Tianqi Guo, Houzuo Guo, Huajie Yu, Yan Liu
Journal: International Journal of Oral Science (2023)

Abstract Nano-engineering-based tissue regeneration and local therapeutic delivery strategies show significant potential to reduce the health and economic burden associated with craniofacial defects, including traumas and tumours. Critical to the success of such nano-engineered non-resorbable craniofacial implants include load-bearing functioning and survival in complex local trauma conditions. Further, race to invade between multiple cells and pathogens is an important criterion that dictates the fate of the implant. In this pioneering review, we compare the therapeutic efficacy of nano-engineered titanium-based craniofacial implants towards maximised local therapy addressing bone formation/resorption, soft-tissue integration, bacterial infection and cancers/tumours. We present the various strategies to engineer titanium-based craniofacial implants in the macro-, micro- and nano-scales, using topographical, chemical, electrochemical, biological and therapeutic modifications. A particular focus is electrochemically anodised titanium implants with controlled nanotopographies that enable tailored and enhanced bioactivity and local therapeutic release. Next, we review the clinical translation challenges associated with such implants. This review will inform the readers of the latest developments and challenges related to therapeutic nano-engineered craniofacial implants.
Cold Virus Provided Cross-reactivity Against SARS-CoV-2 in Children
Authors: Emily Harris
Journal: JAMA (2023)

The US maternal mortality rate continued to increase in 2021, according to a new report from the National Center for Health Statistics.The trend predated the COVID-19 pandemic: between 2018 and 2019, the rate increased from 17.4 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births to 20.1.It then continued to rise to 23.8 in 2020 and to 32.9 in 2021.There were 1205 maternal deaths in 2021 compared with 658 in 2018.Disparities in maternal mortality also persisted in 2021, with 69.9 Black women dying per 100 000 live births-a 2.6 times higher rate than that of White women that year.For all racial and ethnic groups included in the analysis-Black, Hispanic, and White-the number of deaths per 100 000 live births increased every year from 2018 through 2021.The maternal mortality rate also increased substantially for women aged 40 years or older between 2020 to 2021, from about 107.9 deaths per 100 000 live births to 138.5.In 2019, the maternal mortality rate for this age group was 75.5, a decrease from 81.9 the year prior.
World on Path to Eliminate AIDS as a Global Threat by 2030
Authors: Emily Harris
Journal: JAMA (2023)

The US maternal mortality rate continued to increase in 2021, according to a new report from the National Center for Health Statistics.The trend predated the COVID-19 pandemic: between 2018 and 2019, the rate increased from 17.4 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births to 20.1.It then continued to rise to 23.8 in 2020 and to 32.9 in 2021.There were 1205 maternal deaths in 2021 compared with 658 in 2018.Disparities in maternal mortality also persisted in 2021, with 69.9 Black women dying per 100 000 live births-a 2.6 times higher rate than that of White women that year.For all racial and ethnic groups included in the analysis-Black, Hispanic, and White-the number of deaths per 100 000 live births increased every year from 2018 through 2021.The maternal mortality rate also increased substantially for women aged 40 years or older between 2020 to 2021, from about 107.9 deaths per 100 000 live births to 138.5.In 2019, the maternal mortality rate for this age group was 75.5, a decrease from 81.9 the year prior.
Multiple myeloma with acute light chain cast nephropathy
Authors: Nelson Leung, S. Vincent Rajkumar
Journal: Blood Cancer Journal (2023)

Abstract Light chain cast nephropathy (LCCN) is a leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and is now defined as a myeloma defining event. While the long-term prognosis has improved with novel agents, short-term mortality remains significantly higher in patients with LCCN especially if the renal failure is not reversed. Recovery of renal function requires a rapid and significant reduction of the involved serum free light chain. Therefore, proper treatment of these patients is of the utmost importance. In this paper, we provide an algorithm for treatment of MM patients who present with biopsy-proven LCCN or in those where other causes of AKI have been ruled out. The algorithm is based on data from randomized trial whenever possible. When trial data is not available, our recommendations is based on non-randomized data and expert opinions on best practices. We recommend that all patients should enroll in a clinical trial if available prior to resorting to the treatment algorithm we outlined.
Analysis of Serious Weight Gain in Patients Using Alectinib for ALK-Positive Lung Cancer
Authors: Simon P. de Leeuw, Melinda A. Pruis, Barend J. Sikkema, Mostafa Mohseni, G. D. Marijn Veerman, Marthe S. Paats, Daphne W. Dumoulin, Egbert F. Smit, Annemie M.W. J. Schols, Ron H.J. Mathijssen, Elisabeth F.C. van Rossum, Anne-Marie C. Dingemans
Journal: Journal of Thoracic Oncology (2023)
The neuronal pentraxin Nptx2 regulates complement activity and restrains microglia-mediated synapse loss in neurodegeneration
Authors: Jiechao Zhou, Sarah D. Wade, David Graykowski, Mei-Fang Xiao, Binhui Zhao, Lucia A. A. Giannini, Jesse E. Hanson, John C. van Swieten, Morgan Sheng, Paul F. Worley, Borislav Dejanovic
Journal: Science Translational Medicine (2023)

Complement overactivation mediates microglial synapse elimination in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), but how complement activity is regulated in the brain remains largely unknown. We identified that the secreted neuronal pentraxin Nptx2 binds complement C1q and thereby regulates its activity in the brain. Nptx2-deficient mice show increased complement activity, C1q-dependent microglial synapse engulfment, and loss of excitatory synapses. In a neuroinflammation culture model and in aged TauP301S mice, adeno-associated virus (AAV)–mediated neuronal overexpression of Nptx2 was sufficient to restrain complement activity and ameliorate microglia-mediated synapse loss. Analysis of human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from a genetic FTD cohort revealed reduced concentrations of Nptx2 and Nptx2-C1q protein complexes in symptomatic patients, which correlated with elevated C1q and activated C3. Together, these results show that Nptx2 regulates complement activity and microglial synapse elimination in the brain and that diminished Nptx2 concentrations might exacerbate complement-mediated neurodegeneration in patients with FTD.
Transcatheter Arterialization of Deep Veins in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia
Authors: Mehdi H. Shishehbor, Richard J. Powell, Miguel F. Montero-Baker, Anahita Dua, Jorge L. Martínez-Trabal, Matthew C. Bunte, Arthur C. Lee, Andrew S. Mugglin, Joseph L. Mills, Alik Farber, Daniel G. Clair
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2023)

Approximately 20% of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia have no revascularization options, leading to above-ankle amputation. Transcatheter arterialization of the deep veins is a percutaneous approach that creates an artery-to-vein connection for delivery of oxygenated blood by means of the venous system to the ischemic foot to prevent amputation.We conducted a prospective, single-group, multicenter study to evaluate the effect of transcatheter arterialization of the deep veins in patients with nonhealing ulcers and no surgical or endovascular revascularization treatment options. The composite primary end point was amputation-free survival (defined as freedom from above-ankle amputation or death from any cause) at 6 months, as compared with a performance goal of 54%. Secondary end points included limb salvage, wound healing, and technical success of the procedure.We enrolled 105 patients who had chronic limb-threatening ischemia and were of a median age of 70 years (interquartile range, 38 to 89). Of the patients enrolled, 33 (31.4%) were women and 45 (42.8%) were Black, Hispanic, or Latino. Transcatheter arterialization of the deep veins was performed successfully in 104 patients (99.0%). At 6 months, 66.1% of the patients had amputation-free survival. According to Bayesian analysis, the posterior probability that amputation-free survival at 6 months exceeded a performance goal of 54% was 0.993, which exceeded the prespecified threshold of 0.977. Limb salvage (avoidance of above-ankle amputation) was attained in 67 patients (76.0% by Kaplan-Meier analysis). Wounds were completely healed in 16 of 63 patients (25%) and were in the process of healing in 32 of 63 patients (51%). No unanticipated device-related adverse events were reported.We found that transcatheter arterialization of the deep veins was safe and could be performed successfully in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia and no conventional surgical or endovascular revascularization treatment options. (Funded by LimFlow; PROMISE II study ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03970538.).